Some of the most commonly used medications that contain phenylephrine include Neo-Synephrine, Sudafed PE, Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray, and Suphedrine PE.

In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert about certain unapproved prescription cough, cold, and allergy products containing phenylephrine in combination with other drugs.

These products are not currently approved by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, and quality.

The FDA asked drug companies to stop shipping many of these products for sale in the United States due to concerns about improper use in young children, potentially risky combinations of phenylephrine, and reports of overuse through “time-release” products.

Phenylephrine Warnings

You should not use medicines that contain phenylephrine if you have used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the past 14 days because of a potentially dangerous drug interaction.

You should also ask a doctor if phenylephrine is safe to use if you have the following conditions:

If you become pregnant while using phenylephrine, let your doctor know immediately.

If your symptoms do not get better within 7 days of starting phenylephrine, or if you develop a fever, discontinue phenylephrine and call your doctor.

Nonprescription cough and cold combination products, including those that contain phenylephrine, can cause serious side effects or death in young children.

Do not give these products to children younger than 4 years of age and use caution and follow the package directions carefully in children 4 to 11 years of age.

Read the package label carefully to be sure that it's the right product for a child of that age. Do not give phenylephrine products that are made for adults to children.

Artificially sweetened liquid medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), an inherited disorder that causes a build-up of the amino acid phenylalanine.

Phenylephrine and Other Interactions

Phenylephrine Dosage

Phenylephrine is available alone and in combination with other medications as a tablet, liquid, or dissolving strip taken by mouth.

It's usually taken every four hours as needed and is also available in extended release forms that are usually taken one or two times a day.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which product is best for your symptoms.

Follow the directions on your prescription label or the package label. Take phenylephrine exactly as directed.

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor or directed on the label.

You should also check nonprescription cough and cold product labels carefully before using two or more products at the same time.

These products may contain the same active ingredients and taking them together could cause an overdose.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor, a pharmacist, or if you are admitted to a hospital.

Phenylephrine Overdose

In case of an overdose, call a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222, or your local emergency services at 911.

Missed Phenylephrine

Medicines containing phenylephrine are usually taken as needed.

If your doctor has told you to take phenylephrine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it.

However, if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.

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